An Oscar-winning documentary has been pulled from streaming platforms in Russia after a local court ruled that it presents the government in a negative light.

The film, Mr Nobody Against Putin, was restricted on Thursday following a decision by a court in the Chelyabinsk region. Authorities claim the documentary promotes harmful narratives about the state and touches on themes considered sensitive, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

At the centre of the controversy is the film’s content, which explores how pro-war messaging is introduced in schools. The documentary is based on footage secretly recorded over time by a school videographer, offering a rare inside look at how official narratives are passed on to students.

Russian officials raised multiple concerns about the film. One of the major issues highlighted was the inclusion of minors in the footage, with claims that proper consent may not have been obtained.
The court also pointed to certain visual elements in the documentary, including the appearance of a flag linked to anti-war movements, which has been outlawed in Russia.
Beyond that, authorities argued that the film could influence public perception by encouraging criticism of the government and its policies.

The ban reflects a broader pattern in Russia since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. In recent years, the government has taken steps to control public discourse around the war, including changes to school curriculums and stricter regulations on media content.

Productions or messages seen as opposing official narratives have increasingly faced restriction.

The documentary’s central figure, Pavel Talankin, reportedly left Russia in 2024, highlighting the risks faced by individuals involved in projects that challenge state positions.